The Lordship of the Isles

by | May 12, 2025 | The 14th Century

During the 14th century most of the Hebrides, including Lewis, was brought together under a single lordship. Under John of Islay – styling himself Lord of the Isles – from 1354 this became a very powerful lordship, virtually independent of the Scottish Crown.  The...

Clan Nicolson

by | May 12, 2025 | The 14th Century

Before the 14th century, Lewis had been held by the Clan Nicolson, who possibly had strongholds in Flesherin and Stornoway.  The Nicolsons may also have been responsible for the building of an early church on the present day site of Eaglais na h-Aoidhe which is...

Macleods of Lewis

by | May 2, 2025 | The 14th Century

The Macleod dynasty, reputedly descended from Leod a Norseman, obtained possession of the whole of Lewis through marriage to a daughter of Torquil Nicolson.  Torquil Macleod, a son from this marriage, probably died around 1380 and his descendants retained control of...
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